Cal's matchup against UNLV within the LA Bowl on Wednesday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood feels more like a stepping stone right into a recent reality for the Golden Bears.
A win over the Rebels (10-3) would give Cal (6-6) its first winning season since 2019, nevertheless it would hardly give teams the annual momentum they hope for from a bowl game.
Everything modified in a number of weeks for the Bears, who can be playing without budding star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza entered the transfer portal a yr after pledging his long-term loyalty to Berkeley. “The greenest pasture is here,” he said on the time.
At least half a dozen others on the roster also left, including starting winger Nyziah Hunter. The Bears even lost their long snapper through the portal.
This is only the start of the upheaval. After the Bears' 38-6 loss at SMU within the regular-season finale – a game Cal played without Mendoza, who was reportedly in poor health – coach Justin Wilcox began overhauling his offensive coaching staff.
He took over the coordinator duties from Mike Bloesch and later fired him as offensive coach. Out comes longtime receivers coach Burl Toler III, a preferred alum who also served as recruiting coordinator.
It is unclear whether there can be further changes.
Former Boise State and Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin can be the Bears' recent offensive coordinator, however the status of current quarterbacks coach Sterling Gilbert stays in query. Famika Anae from New Mexico will coach the O-line and Kyle Cefalo, most recently the offensive coordinator at Utah State, will maintain the receivers.
Controversial former Washington State coach Nick Rolovich has been hired as a senior offensive assistant. Rolovich is understood for his successful version of the run-and-shoot offense, but was fired by WSU through the 2021 season for failing to comply with the state's requirement to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
None of the brand new hires can be in charge against UNLV. Side decisions are made “by committee,” Wilcox said.
That may be the Bears' approach at quarterback, with backup Chandler Rogers considered questionable after his injury against SMU. That could give redshirt sophomore CJ Harris, a transfer from Ohio, his first start for the Bears.
Barring personnel absences, the Bears could possibly be healthier than they’ve been in weeks.
Inside linebacker Cade Uluave is predicted to be back after missing 4 games as a consequence of injury. Likewise, running back Jaivian Thomas was listed as fit for play after sitting out the SMU game, and offensive lineman Sioape Vatikani, who has been out and in of the lineup all season, is healthy.
Still, it's a surprise that the Bears got here into the sport as 1.5-point favorites. in keeping with Vegas Insider.
UNLV has also seen changes as second-year coach Barry Odom took a job at Purdue. Former Florida and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen will replace him, although receivers coach Del Alexander will lead the bowl game as interim head coach.
It's unattainable to know exactly what the bears will seem like in a yr. Their defense, a strength a lot of the season, is led by seniors reminiscent of linebacker Teddye Buchanan (112 tackles), cornerback Nohl Williams (FBS with seven interceptions – each first-team All-ACC picks) and honorees The third team will lose, amongst others, Craig Woodson as a security and Xavier Carlton as a defensive end.
It could be a surprise to see junior running back Jaydn Ott return after coping with a nagging injury and an unpredictable offensive line. Ott managed greater than 1,300 yards in 2023, but his NFL Draft rating took a major hit this fall.
Still, Wilcox is sending positive vibes for the long run, starting with what he expects to be an enormous boost as offensive coordinator. He worked with Harsin when each coordinators were under Chris Petersen at Boise State, where Harsin later compiled a 69-19 record in seven seasons (2014-20) as head coach.
With Harsin as coordinator or head coach, the Broncos scored 40 points or more 77 times in 154 games. “He has tremendous football sense,” Wilcox said.
Wilcox said last week he’s one hundred pc confident the Bears can be in financial shape next fall when Power 4 conference teams begin paying players directly.
“This is college football. “That’s how it is now,” Wilcox said. “Things are fluid right now, but there is no panic and a lot of excitement because we have the support of the university, we have resources, we will have incredible staff who are proven recruiters and coaches.”
Stay tuned.
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